Program Planning Guide 2023-24 » Technology Education

Technology Education

Technology Education is the study of the tools, resources, processes, systems and services that affect the way we live today as well as in the past, allowing us to better understand and prepare for future technological innovations.  Each of the courses offered explores an area of technology, its impact on our lives, and career opportunities, while applying information learned from other academic areas.

DESIGN

*DESIGN AND DRAWING FOR PRODUCTION

*This course satisfies the art/music requirement
 
Term:  Full Year
 
Grades: 9–12
 
Design and Drawing for Production is the study of engineering graphics and technical illustration as a medium for communication and problem solving. This course emphasizes the design process as a common graphic language and means of communication essential to all technical areas in science, medicine, architecture, engineering, product design, and industry. Competence in technical drawing and building prototypes is essential to fully and clearly define requirements for engineered items. Students will be able to analyze, creatively design, and critically evaluate their work.  Students will be introduced to 3D CAD modeling software programs used in the industry to accurately model their designs ready for rendering, animation, drafting, engineering, analysis, and manufacturing. It provides experiences for the students to be given a design problem and present a solution through design and drawing exercises and building prototypes for testing.

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Term: Full Year
 
Grades: 10-12
 
This class is designed to teach the utilization of Autodesk Inventor and Adobe Illustrator software packages. Students will use these programs to create items on an array of manufacturing equipment. Students will explore subtractive manufacturing processes on a variety of computer-based equipment. Students will also be exposed to additive manufacturing processes through 3D printing.

ARCHITECTURE IN OUR LIVES

Term:  Full Year
 
Grades: 10-12
 
Recommended Prerequisite:  Design and Drawing for Production.
 
This introductory course will explore the history, concepts, and styles associated with architecture. Students will learn the fundamentals of the motivations and trends of home and building construction. Students will create their own portfolios that will include their own drafts along with written assessments of architectural studies. Certain student work will be individual while other projects will incorporate collaborative projects. In addition, students will be introduced to housing foundations, framing, floor and elevation plans. Students will use Autocad to create their own original designs. Occasional guest speakers will be invited to present on the professional side of the architectural market.

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING 2

Term:  Full Year
 
Grades: 11-12
 
Prerequisite:  Architecture in our Lives.
 
Architectural Drawing 2 builds upon the skills introduced to the introductory course, Architecture in Our Lives. An in-depth study of architectural principles and techniques including: construction details, building and design methods, and continued development of a full set of house plans are the main focus of the course. Students will continue their study of AutoCAD Lt, further develop their skills in architectural drawing and develop scale models illustrating construction techniques.  A portfolio of student work will be compiled for submission to colleges and future employers.

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING 3, HONORS

Term:  Full Year
 
Grades: 11-12
 
Prerequisite: Architectural Drawing 1 & 2
 
Architectural Drawing 3 builds on skills learned in Architectural Drawing 1 & 2. Students will follow a curriculum with more in depth instruction in the use of AutoCAD, Design and Engineering, Materials, Residential and Light Construction, Millwork and Finishing. A portfolio of student work will be compiled for submission to colleges and future employers. Students may earn 2 credits at Nassau Community College upon payment of tuition and successful completion of the course.

TRANSPORTATION

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY 1

Term:  Full Year
 
Grades: 10-12
 
Automotive Technology 1 explores the theory, maintenance and servicing of the automobile with emphasis on today’s sophisticated, computer-controlled vehicles. Instruction will be given in the proper use of automotive tools and diagnostic equipment, preventative maintenance, and the service and repair of the systems which comprise the automobile. Students will be encouraged to bring in their own vehicles and other internal combustion devices to class.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY 2

Term:  Full Year
 
Grades: 11-12
 
Automotive Technology 2 further explores the systems, maintenance and servicing of the modern automobile while giving instruction in the restoration processes utilized in preserving the automobiles of yesterday.  Auto Tech 2 students will be expected to have competence using automotive tools and equipment, and in diagnosing and servicing a given vehicle. Students will reinforce their automotive knowledge and skills through individual and group projects. Students will be encouraged to bring in their own vehicles to class.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY 3 - SENIOR EXPERIENCE

Term:  Full Year
 
Grade: 12 only
 
Automotive Technology 3 – Senior Experience, available to seniors who have completed one full year of Automotive Technology or with departmental approval, further expands the students’ knowledge of automotive systems and theories through class projects, and individual and group research, evaluation and development. Students will be expected to have the knowledge to safely utilize tools and test equipment and to diagnose and perform routine maintenance and repairs. Auto Tech 3 students will also have the opportunity to participate in automotive competitions, showcases and trade-fairs. Students will be encouraged to bring in their own vehicles and other internal combustion devices to this class.  Additionally, the course will meet Senior Experience sponsorship requirements, including in-class projects or time release for out of school placement.

ENGINEERING

PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING**

Term:  Full Year
 
Grades: 11-12
 
Principles of Engineering will explore the effects of engineering on the world we live in and the careers associated with them.  This course will apply the principles of math, science and technology through hands-on techniques involving design, problem solving, modeling and prototyping as well as team development skills. Students will design, construct and test structures, develop working machines and explore hydroponics as well as motion, electronics and alternative energy.
 
Note: This course may be repeated for additional work and credit with the permission of Guidance and the Technology Education Department. This course may be taken as the third unit of math or science required for graduation.

ROBOTICS

Term: Semester
 
Grades: 10 – 12
 
In Robotics , students will learn the basics of robotics by constructing small robots using the VEX Robotics kits. They will learn about the sub-systems of structure, control, logic, power, and motion will be examined and applied so that the robots can perform manually controlled and automated tasks.

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS/ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Term: Semester
 
Grades: 10-12
 
In this hands-on course, you will learn the basics of electronics and engineering skills that will enable you to make a unique electronic device. Students will work on projects based on topics including binary, microcontrollers and basic programming in the C language. Students will work with an Arduino or similarly based electronics kit to begin learning the internals and how to interact with a variety of electronic devices that are all around us.

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING SCIENCE HONORS**

Pre- or Corequisite(s): Minimum GPA of 3.0
 
Term: Full Year
 
Grades: 11-12
 
This course presents an overview of the development and application of engineering principles in response to social, industrial, and environmental problems from ancient times to the present.  It utilizes engineering methods and theory through prototyping, case studies and current real-world applications. Students will utilize creativity and problem-solving techniques while participating in classroom simulated projects as well as analyzing past engineering disasters.
 
Students will be given a chance to think, create, develop and communicate as future engineers of the 21st century. Students may earn 3 credits at SUNY Stony Brook upon payment of tuition and successful completion of the course.

WOODWORKING 1

Term:  Semester
 
Grades: 10-12
 
This class is designed to teach students the fundamentals of woodworking. The class's hands-on approach and project selection introduces new tools and processes used today in the various wood related trades. The course should be a requirement for all future homeowners assuring them to become better consumers as well as those wanting to enter the field of woodworking. This class goes at a step by step pace that matches the individual student’s interests and level of ability to ensure student success.

INTRODUCTION TO STEM

Term: Full Year
 
Grade: 9 Only
 
Co-Requisite: Students who are part of Introduction to STEM must take the appropriate corresponding science, mathematics, and social science and technology level courses.
 
This course provides students with an introduction to materials and methods for independent study. Topics include an overview of physical and life science techniques; application of technological tools, programs and resources; prototype design and modeling; and analysis of collected data from direct measurement and surveys. This includes developing a project plan, supporting evidence through the use of college libraries, completing statistical analysis, and writing research papers. Students will be required to submit technical essays to online competitions. This class is a 2 x 6 course.

DRONES AND AVIONICS

Term:  Semester
 
Grades: 9-12
 
This class is designed to explore the fundamentals of flight through the use of drones. Concepts of pitch, yaw, and lift will be some of what is discussed. Students will work in groups to assemble a drone kit. They will then be trained to fly the drones via a software simulator. Students will then advance to responsibly pilot the drones and explore current regulations that apply to the field.

NETWORKING AND COMPUTER REPAIR BASICS

Term:  Semester
 
Grades: 9 – 12
 
This class will introduce students to the components of the computer and some simple techniques of how they can be replaced.  Concepts may include some simple repair techniques of the operating system and discuss how files are stored. Students will also be introduced to the concepts of computer networking. They will explore the difference of Local Area Networks and Wide Area Networks and how TCP/IP is used to communicate between computers

ENGINEERING SENIOR EXPERIENCE

Term: Full Year
 
Grade: 12
 
Designed for students interested in the field of engineering, this full-year course for seniors serves as an additional route to 12th graders fulfilling their Senior Experience requirement. Currently 2 separate courses are taught together to accommodate two student types: students in need of a math component (Principles of Engineering) and those honor students who do not require a math component (Introduction to Engineering Science Honors). Students are encouraged to explore the engineering design process.  Students will be tasked with a problem for which they will develop a technology-based solution.
*This course meets NYS Music/Art graduation requirements
** This course is approved by the NCAA